In Pope, Mississippi, a grieving family gathered to say goodbye to 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, who was just months away from his second birthday. Before the tragedy occurred, his family had looked forward to watching him grow, share fishing trips with his grandpa, and eventually start school. Those futures were cut short on June 14 in a Walmart parking lot in the city of Senatobia, located about 40 miles from Memphis, when he was fatally shot by police responding to a reported shoplifting incident. Thirteen days later, his mother, Vellesiya Wiley, laid her son to rest in a small casket adorned with his favorite stuffed Bluey character.
During the service at the Hosanna Family Worship Center, the Rev. Keri Henson, guided by Pastor Fred Butts, shared memories of the toddler. She described the inseparable bond between Kohen and his mother, while his father, Davion Williams, remembered him as a “goofy” child. His grandfather had affectionately called Kohen his “favorite person.” As mourners wearing shades of blue filled the sanctuary, questions regarding the shooting persist. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation reported that officers arrived at the store to find two individuals and a child fleeing toward a vehicle. Authorities claimed the driver attempted to hit an officer, leading to the gunfire. Vellesiya Wiley, who was a passenger, disputed this, stating the driver, a friend, was not attempting to strike anyone as she tried to drive away. The driver remains in critical condition following the shooting.
Civil rights attorney Van Turner, representing the family alongside attorney Ben Crump, told the congregation that there was no justification for the child’s death. Family lawyers have stated the police were originally called over allegations of stolen diapers. Turner remarked, “There is nothing in that Walmart store that is more precious than a baby.” He emphasized that Kohen deserved a life of love, not to have his life taken over diapers. The family and their legal team are calling for the immediate release of body camera footage, though authorities have refused to release the recordings until their investigation is finished. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on leave, though they have not been publicly identified.
Outside the service, community members expressed concerns regarding the Senatobia Police Department, citing a history of overpolicing. Myron Cathey, 38, who assisted at the visitation held at West Gilmore Church of Christ, expressed hope that the national attention would lead to change in the town. Renay Jones, who grew up in the area, noted a troubling shift in the department over the years, referencing the 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public as a point of contention. Some residents have called for a boycott of the local Walmart, which closed during a protest on Friday.
The funeral procession, led by a convoy of motorcycles, arrived at the church where Kohen’s casket—decorated with Bluey imagery and surrounded by a toy lawn mower and floral arrangements—was on display. At the conclusion of the service, a funeral director read a proclamation from state Sen. Justin Pope, stating that Kohen would be deeply missed. The casket was carried out by six small children in white and navy attire and placed into a white horse-drawn carriage. The family continues to demand accountability, with plans for further advocacy to ensure justice for the toddler.
